CAREERCOLLEGELIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

Summer Internship Strategy

Often, summer is the ideal time for young professionals to gain experience, thanks to a high volume of available internship opportunities and decreased school commitments. Start by applying as early as possible — certain employers begin recruiting as much as a year before the internship’s start date. Applying can be quite competitive, so it’s important to ensure you’re putting your time and effort into a position that meets your needs and helps you grow.

Many students apply to as many internships as possible because of high rejection rates. While this is a fine strategy to ensure you have multiple options, it’s important to prioritize opportunities that suit your career goals and availability. Select one or two companies that match your interests and pursue closer connections to them through career fairs and networking. Don’t hesitate to ask about all different aspects of an internship — schedule, team culture, opportunities for growth and more. You might even impress your employer with your questions!

Location is Key

One of the most important considerations of a summer internship is the location. You don’t want to have to back out of a position because you didn’t consider relocation. Subleasing is common in the short summer season. Some universities offer their dorms specifically for interns, which can be a great option if you’re operating on a budget. You could also look for internships that offer housing assistance or a stipend for relocation. Being far away from home for a summer may be exciting, but if the internship leads to a full-time offer, would you be happy living in that place post-graduation?

Know Your Personal Preferences

While pay is often a deciding factor, you may not realize a secondary requirement is a barrier for you until you get there. For example, a dealbreaker for some is a workplace dress code. If you’re working at a place that requires formal business attire, you’ll need an appropriate wardrobe for the role — and that could mean you have to buy a lot of new clothes. For some internships, your purpose is to shadow and contribute to projects; other companies could expect you to work overtime. While the compensation may look appealing, if you’re planning to travel or relax over summer, that position might not be a great fit.

I would recommend seeking out an established intern program so you can connect with previous interns for advice or information. Connections with previous interns are also a great way to secure an offer or at the very least a recommendation. If you can’t find a summer internship, jobs in your hometown could build similar professional skills in an alternative way. Certain fields are extremely competitive for internships, so don’t be discouraged. You can find guidance or specific positions suitable for you through your university’s career advising office. Your job is where you spend a main part of your adulthood, so prioritize your happiness and well-being above all else. Don’t forget that if a position isn’t serving you, you can always look for something different later in life.

Sources:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/internship-tips